EAST end football starLeanne Crichton is hoping to emulate former schoolpal James McArthur when she steps on to the Wembley pitch this weekend.

Notts County’s Leanne Crichton, 27, from Dennistoun, will walk out on to the hallowed turf when her team take on Chelsea for the FA Cup live on TV tomorrow – the first time the showpiece final will be held at the national stadium.

Having grown up in the East End of Glasgow, Leanne is hoping to equal the achievements of her old school friend who she used to play football with as a youngster.

The creative midfielder said: “I used to play in the same 5-a-side team as James when I was younger, as we went to the same school, so hopefully I’ll get the same positive result as he did.

“We still keep in touch now so it will be nice to think we both came from similar backgrounds and ended up in an FA Cup final at Wembley.

“I learned my trade through school teams as there were no girl teams when I was younger, so I learned a lot being the only girl in a league dominated by boys.

“People from Dennistoun probably look at me as that wee girl who played football in the street and now she’s on TV, so hopefully it’ll be nice for them to watch me on Saturday.”

The Dennistoun footballer, who signed for the Lady Magpies in January of this year from Glasgow City, is looking forward to what will be the biggest game of her career.

She said: “Without a doubt, it will be up there with one of the best moments in my career so far.

"Last week there were 26,000 people who bought tickets for the final, which is incredible.

“It’ll be the first time I have played in front of such a huge crowd, as, with no disrespect to the Scottish league, you don’t get the same numbers coming through the doors, not even close.”

With Leanne’s Dad watching the game from the U.S. and her brother from Ibiza, the Lady Magpies’s star has had her phone ringing off the hook this week with family and friends from Scotland looking for tickets and directions to the game.

Her mum, Elizabeth Crichton Purdie, said: “The whole family is extremely excited to come down to London with all her friends and see Leanne play on Saturday.

“I think we’ll feel a real mixture of emotions at the game, feeling happy, proud and nervous, but we’ll be hoping for a positive result.

“It’s difficult for players to get recognition in the women’s game.

"Leanne had to give her job up in Glasgow to follow her dream, and, thankfully, that’s what she’s managed to do.

“She’s been kicking a ball since she was six years-old so it’s no surprise to us what she’s achieved, and for a girl from the East End of Glasgow to be involved in one of the biggest matches in the UK is a credit to her.

“She’s a great ambassador for the sport and the city of Glasgow.

Leanne, who won three back-to-back trebles with Glasgow City, is looking forward to showing off her skills in what is one of the most recognisable stadiums in the world.

She said: “It’s going to be a very special moment for me walking out the tunnel at Wembley, as I’ve always looked at the venue from afar.

“I usually watch Premier League teams playing in finals or the Champions League Final played there, so to be part of that history will be special. And I’ll get to tick another thing off my bucket list.”